Eggplant Ziti Parmesan Delight

Eggplant (Aubergine) and Ziti Parmesan: A Savory European Delight

Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that will transport your taste buds to the heart of Europe? If you’re a fan of comforting, cheesy goodness with a touch of Mediterranean flair, then this Eggplant (Aubergine) and Ziti Parmesan recipe is destined to become a staple in your kitchen. 🍆🍝

Preparation Time: 30 minutes
Cooking Time: 1 hour and 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour and 45 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 3/4 eggplants 🍆
• Salt, for sprinkling
• 8 ounces ziti pasta 🍝
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/3 cups part-skim ricotta cheese
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, plus 2 tablespoons for topping 🧀
• 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley flakes
• 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 pinches of hot red pepper flakes
• 1 1/3 cups tomato sauce 🍅

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

• Calories: 552.1
• Fat: 18.6g
• Saturated Fat: 9.1g
• Cholesterol: 47.4mg
• Sodium: 1135.7mg
• Carbohydrates: 68.7g
• Fiber: 10.6g
• Sugar: 11.4g
• Protein: 30.2g

Servings: 4

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Eggplant:

   • Sprinkle the eggplant slices with salt and place them in a colander, allowing them to drain for 30 minutes.
   • Rinse the eggplant slices and pat them dry.

2. Cook the Ziti:

   • Cook the ziti pasta al dente according to the package directions.
   • Drain and rinse the pasta, setting it aside.

3. Garlic Infusion:

   • Combine the oil and minced garlic, then smear the mixture on the eggplant slices.
   • Generously sprinkle the slices with black pepper.

4. Broil the Eggplant:

   • Broil the eggplant slices about 4 inches from the heat, turning them once, for a total of about 5 minutes. (You may need to do this in 2 batches.)

5. Cheesy Pasta Mingle:

   • In a large bowl, mix together ricotta or cottage cheese, all but 2 tablespoons of parmesan, chopped parsley, dried basil, oregano, and hot red pepper flakes.
   • Toss the cheese mixture with the cooked ziti.

6. Layer it Up:

   • On the bottom of a 2 to 3-quart casserole, spread a thin layer of tomato sauce.
   • Add half of the ziti mixture, followed by half of the eggplant slices, and then half of the remaining tomato sauce. Repeat the ziti, eggplant, and sauce layers.

7. Finishing Touch:

   • Top the casserole with the reserved 2 tablespoons of parmesan.

8. Bake to Perfection:

   • Cover the casserole and bake it in a preheated 400-degree oven for 30 minutes.
   • Remove the cover and bake the casserole for another 15 minutes or until the top is lightly browned.

9. Serve and Enjoy:

   • Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
   • Dish out generous portions, and savor the layers of flavor that make this Eggplant and Ziti Parmesan a culinary masterpiece!

Whether you’re serving it to impress guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe promises a symphony of tastes that will elevate your love for European-inspired cuisine. Bon appétit! 🍽️✨